An Experience Like No Other

Written by Em Rainer

This year, Project SEARCH- Menomonie looked a little different. 

Unfortunately, we had to leave our "home site" and were tasked with finding a new location during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the school year on the horizon, we were unsure where we were going to end up. 

L.E. Phillips Career Development Center gave us a home away from home. The CDC partnered with us and provided a location where interns would be able to work side-by-side with folks, a classroom, mentors, and an unbelievable amount of support. While we may not be here next year, we will forever be grateful to the CDC for opening its doors to us.

After a summer of hustle and bustle to prepare for the school year, the interns were able to join us in-person in September. Due to the pandemic, many sites across the country have been struggling with virtual classes and site closures. With support from the CDC, we have been able to stay open and serve our interns! Since September, our interns have been able to work within various departments including custodial, packaging and assembly, woodshop, administration, and the print shop! We continue to look forward to working with other departments as interns develop and master new skills. 

Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship program for young adults with disabilities. This program includes hands-on instruction and time in the classroom to learn employability skills. Interns in the program complete three rotations at a local business with the goal of gaining the necessary skills to obtain competitive employment. 

Check out our website, and Facebook! 

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